The U.S. State Department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, affirmed that her country ultimately wants to see Syria living in peace with its neighbors, respecting human rights, and preventing terrorists from using its territory as a safe haven.
“In a press briefing reported by news agencies, Bruce stated that “the U.S. administration is monitoring ‘the actions of the Syrian authorities on a number of issues while we assess and consider the future U.S. policy toward Syria.”
She noted that “there are clear and easy-to-understand criteria, and we are watching to see how they will act and respond.”
“Bruce pointed out that Washington calls for the formation of ‘an inclusive civilian government capable of building national institutions that are effective, responsive, and representative.’
She emphasized that the involvement of local communities and broad societal support are essential for achieving stability in Syria and the region.
Bruce noted that the United States is also following developments related to the constitutional declaration and is monitoring ‘the actions of the interim authority to see whether it ensures equal rights and treatment for all Syrians and upholds individual freedoms as stated in the constitutional declaration.
Regarding sanctions on Syria, Bruce clarified that ‘the sanctions system has not changed, and there are no plans to change it at this stage.
However, she noted the issuance of ‘License 24,’ which allows transactions aimed at helping stabilize Syria.
In a related context, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and Republican Representative Joe Wilson called on the State Department to review sanctions on Syria.
Warren and Wilson sent a letter to the U.S. Secretaries of State and Treasury regarding sanctions on Syria.
They said broad restrictions target a regime that no longer exists, pointing out that these restrictions risk undermining U.S. national security objectives and hindering reconstruction efforts in the country.
Rawaa Ghanam